Filing deadline sets races for state Legislature

A certain-to-be expensive battle to control the Washington state Senate, plus a free-for-all for the seat of retiring U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., will dominate the Evergreen State’s midterm 2014 elections, a message underscored as candidate filings closed on Friday.

State Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, is feud-prone — Republicans once threw her out of their caucus — but has survived more than 30 years in the Legislature. She faces a challenge from fellow Republican State Rep. Cathy Dahlquist, R-Enumclaw.

The Democrats are trying to hold onto the U.S. Senate in the “other” Washington, while a Republican-dominated coalition strives to keep Senate control in Olympia.

Here’s a rundown of what’s interesting on the fall ballot, in addition to tax measures in Seattle and rival gun initiatives statewide:

In the 32nd District, which straddles the King-Snohomish County border, Sen. Maralyn Chase, D-Seattle, is being challenged by Shoreline Deputy Mayor Chris Eggen, also a Democrat. Chase is one of the most liberal members of the Legislature.

– The coalition man: Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-35, lists himself as a Democrat but endorses Republicans for statewide office and helped the GOP take control of the Senate. Sheldon has soundly thrashed past efforts by Democratic and progressive groups to beat him.

Ex-Attorney General Rob McKenna, Republicans’ 2012 candidate for governor, has already sent out an invitation praising Sheldon and inviting folks to his kickoff.

– Socialism in Seattle: A candidate from the Socialist Alternative, the political movement of City Council member Kshama Sawant, will challenge House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-43. Sawant lost to Chopp in 2012.

Jessica Spear has inherited Sawant’s promotion machine. The Stranger introduced Spear on Friday with a long, effusive Slog puff piece by Dominic Holden, together with a beatific picture. If Spear were to somehow beat Chopp, Holden’s article alerts the electorate to the danger the Legislature might lose her next Easter.

– After Doc, the deluge: Eight Republicans have filed for Hastings’ seat in the Republican-leaning 4th District of Central Washington. The most prolific fundraiser is ex-state Agriculture Director Dan Newhouse. The Tea Party’s favorite, Clint Didier, leads in sign wars. Sen. Janea Holmquist signs on to whatever business wants.

Democrats have fielded an impressive candidate in Estakio Beltran, a Yakima Valley native who worked in the fields as a boy but has gone on to work child welfare and Hispanic caucus issues as a congressional aide.

– Key Senate races: The “Senate Majority Coalition” has a 26-23 majority in the current Senate, bonding together 24 Republicans and two dissident Democrats. Sheldon is well positioned for re-election. But Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom is retiring in the 48th District.

The Democrats’ 48th District pick, State Rep. Cyrus Habib, must be rated a strong favorite over Republican Michelle Darnell, a Kirkland paralegal who filed at the last minute.

The Republicans’ biggest pickup hope is in the 30th District, where they’ve fielded Mark Miloscia, a former Democratic representative, for the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Tracy Eide. Democrats are running Shari Song, last year’s opponent to King County Councilman Reagan Dunn.

A marquee race is expected in the 28th District of Pierce County, where appointed Republican Sen. Steve O’Ban, an outspoken conservative, is being challenged by Democratic Rep. Tami Green.

In the 45th District, on the Eastside, Democrats have high hopes for challenger Matt Isenhower. He faces Sen. Andy Hill, R-45, who unseated a Democrat four years ago. Hill is chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and a major voice on the state budget.

One fight will reach the U.S.-Canada border. Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-42nd, has been unbeatable in a Whatcom County district drawn to exclude most of liberal Bellingham. But Ericksen was trounced when he ran for Whatcom County executive.

He is being challenged by Democrat Seth Fleetwood, a former member of both the Whatcom County Council and Bellingham City Council.